The 2018 RAV4 oil filter location and part number

The oil filter on a 2018 Toyota RAV4 sits on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold and behind the engine block. You'll access it from underneath the vehicle, which is why most people either raise the car on a lift or drive it onto ramps before starting. The filter is a cartridge style — meaning it's a cylindrical canister that screws into a housing cap rather than a spin-on filter that twists onto a threaded post.

Toyota's part number for the OEM filter is 04152-YZZA6 or 04152-YZZA7, depending on engine size (the 2.5L four-cylinder uses the same filter across all 2018 models). You can order this directly from a Toyota dealer, or buy an equivalent aftermarket filter from any auto parts store — Fram, Mobil 1, Bosch, and Wix all make compatible cartridge filters that cost between $8 and $15. The housing cap itself rarely needs replacement unless it's damaged, but it's inexpensive if you do need one.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2018 RAV4 uses a cartridge-style oil filter accessed from underneath the engine, requiring you to raise the vehicle before you start.
  • Toyota's OEM part number is 04152-YZZA6 or 04152-YZZA7, but any aftermarket cartridge filter rated for the 2.5L engine will work.
  • You will need an oil filter wrench (a socket-style tool that grips the cartridge cap) and a drain pan, plus new crush washers for the drain plug.
  • The entire job takes 20 to 30 minutes once the vehicle is raised, and you should replace the oil at the same time since you're already underneath.

Tools and supplies you'll need

Before you crawl under the RAV4, gather an oil filter wrench (the socket-style kind that grips the cartridge housing cap), a drain pan large enough to hold at least 5 quarts, a new oil filter, fresh motor oil (the 2018 RAV4 holds 3.7 quarts with a filter change), and new crush washers for the drain plug. The crush washers are small copper or aluminum rings that seal the drain plug — they cost pennies but should be replaced every oil change because they compress and lose their seal after one use.

You'll also want jack stands or ramps to safely raise the vehicle, a socket wrench to remove the drain plug, and a rag or old towel. If you're working in low light, a headlamp or work light makes the job much easier since the filter housing is tucked tight against the engine block. Do not rely on the car's jack alone — always use stands or ramps so the vehicle is stable while you work underneath it.

How to remove the old filter cartridge

Raise the RAV4 on ramps or jack stands, then locate the oil filter housing cap on the driver's side of the engine block. The cap is a round canister about 3 inches in diameter with a center bolt on top. Position your drain pan underneath it — oil will spill when you open it — then use the oil filter wrench to turn the cap counterclockwise. It will take some force the first time, but once it breaks loose, you can unscrew it by hand.

As you unscrew the cap, oil will begin to drip into the pan. Finish unscrewing it slowly and carefully, then lift the cap straight up and out. The old filter cartridge will be inside the housing, sitting on top of a spring. Lift the cartridge out and set it in the drain pan. Wipe the inside of the housing cap and the top of the housing with a clean rag to remove any debris or old oil residue. This step prevents dirt from entering the new filter.

Installing the new filter cartridge

Before you insert the new filter, check that the rubber O-ring seal on the bottom of the cartridge is in place and not damaged. Slide the new cartridge into the housing, seating it firmly on the spring so it sits flat. The cartridge should not wobble or tilt. Then screw the housing cap back on by hand first — do not use the wrench yet — until you feel it make contact with the O-ring seal on the cartridge.

Once hand-tight, use the oil filter wrench to turn the cap an additional three-quarter turn. Do not over-tighten it. The cap should be snug enough that you cannot easily turn it by hand, but not so tight that you'll need a wrench to remove it next time. A common mistake is cranking it down hard — this crushes the O-ring and causes leaks. When you're done, wipe away any spilled oil and lower the vehicle back to the ground.

Checking your work and what happens next

Start the engine and let it idle for about 30 seconds, then turn it off and wait two minutes. Check underneath the filter housing for any drips or leaks. If you see oil seeping from where the cap meets the housing, the cap may be slightly loose — tighten it a quarter turn and check again. A small amount of residual oil on the outside is normal, but active dripping means the seal is not seated correctly.

Once you confirm there are no leaks, you're finished with the filter replacement. If you're also changing the oil (which you should do at the same time), drain the old oil into your pan, replace the crush washers on the drain plug, reinstall the plug, and add the correct amount of fresh oil. Check the oil level with the dipstick after the engine has cooled for a few minutes. The entire job — filter and oil change together — takes about 30 minutes once you're comfortable with the process.

When to replace the filter and disposal

Toyota recommends replacing the oil filter every time you change the oil. For a 2018 RAV4 with regular driving, that's typically every 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. If you drive in severe conditions — frequent short trips, towing, or dusty environments — Toyota suggests every 5,000 miles. Check your owner's manual for the specific interval that applies to your driving habits.

The old filter cartridge contains used oil and should not be thrown in the trash. Most auto parts stores that sell filters will take used filters for free, and many recycling centers accept them as well. Some service stations will also take them if you ask. Drain as much oil as possible from the old cartridge into your drain pan before disposal, then place it in a bag to prevent any remaining oil from spilling in your vehicle or at the recycling center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I replace just the filter without changing the oil?

Technically yes, but it's not recommended. The filter and oil work together — a new filter in old, degraded oil defeats the purpose of either. If you're between oil changes and the filter looks damaged or you suspect a leak, you can replace it alone, but plan to change the oil at your next scheduled interval.

What if oil leaks from the housing cap after I install it?

The most common cause is an O-ring that didn't seat properly or a cap that's too tight or too loose. Remove the cap, check that the rubber O-ring on the cartridge is clean and undamaged, and reinstall the cap with hand-tight pressure plus three-quarter turn with the wrench. If it still leaks, the O-ring may be damaged and the cartridge may need to be replaced.

Do I need to use Toyota's OEM filter, or can I use any cartridge filter?

Any cartridge filter rated for the 2.5L engine will work. OEM filters are reliable, but quality aftermarket brands like Fram, Mobil 1, and Wix meet the same standards and often cost less. Avoid the cheapest filters you can find — they may have lower-quality media that doesn't filter as effectively.

How tight should the housing cap be?

Hand-tight plus three-quarter turn with the wrench is the standard. This compresses the O-ring seal enough to prevent leaks without crushing it. If you can't turn the cap by hand at all after using the wrench, it's too tight — back it off slightly and recheck for leaks after starting the engine.